Ellas Louise Rosser Thomas

Ella Louise Rosser Thomas, 81, of Pamplin, died peacefully at her residence which was located on her ancestorial farm on Friday, March 29, 2024. She was the loving and devoted wife of the late Brian Edward Thomas for 58 years.
Born in Lynchburg, Va., on April 26, 1942, she was the only child of Louise Nash Rosser and James Howard Rosser. Eloise was an active member of Memorial Methodist Church, the bridge club, a lifetime member of the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs and served as president of her Chesapeake and Appomattox Garden Clubs.
Eloise was a 1960 graduate of Appomattox High School and graduated from Longwood College receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree. In 1964, during her Senior year of college she became Miss Appomattox and participated in Miss Virginia.
She taught school in multiple locations and retired from Western Branch, Chesapeake, Va. Her greatest joy was preparing students for Culinary Arts competition.
Eloise was a consummate Southern Lady who had a gift for hospitality. Nothing made her happier than a home full of friends, food, and laughter.
She and Brian, accompanied by many of their friends, traveled extensively. As much as they loved to travel as avid Virginia Tech football fans, weekends were always at Virginia Tech.
She is survived by her cousins, Jane L. Nash, Estelle C. Woosley and husband, Dave, Johnny Covington and wife, Ann and cousins-in-law, Martha Nash, and Margie Covington. Eloise was blessed to have many caring and loving friends and neighbors including Anne M. and Richard Robinson, Luella M. Coleman, Joyce Tolley, Mary Tolley, Yvonne and David Carson, Ruby Inge and family, Chris Sams, and many of her devoted 1960 classmates. Eloise influenced and loved many young people throughout her lifetime including Shyrone Stith and Madison Chandler and husband, Donnie whom she considered her children.
After having a stroke in October 2022, she was lovingly cared for by Sal Pankey, Shelly Jones, Rosa Goode, “Libby” Robertson, Alice Mosley, Mazia Jones who all quickly became family to Eloise. A special thank you to Centra Hospice nurse, Diann Pickett.
A graveside funeral service officiated by Pastor Mark Allen will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 30, 2024, in the Swan Family Cemetery, 3539 Swan Road, Pamplin, VA 23958.
Following the service everyone is invited to a reception in the family barn.
In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to Memorial Methodist Church Pastors Discretionary Fund, PO Box 9, Appomattox, VA 24522 or Young Life of Central Virginia, P O Box 3543, Lynchburg, VA 24503 designated for Appomattox Youth.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family, www.robinsonfuneral.com